Former Michigan Coach Indicted on Federal Charges for Hacking Athlete Data and Stealing Intimate Photos

Matt Weiss, a former co-offensive coordinator for the University of Michigan football team, is facing serious legal consequences after being indicted on 24 federal charges. The charges stem from allegations that Weiss engaged in a years-long scheme to hack into the personal information of thousands of athletes, stealing intimate photos and videos in the process. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan announced the indictment, signaling a firm stance against cybercrime and the protection of individual privacy.

The indictment comes more than two years after Weiss was terminated from his coaching position at the University of Michigan. He served under former head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has since moved on to coach in the National Football League. Weiss’s firing followed an internal investigation into the alleged computer crimes, which ultimately led to the federal charges now levied against him.

Acting U.S. Attorney Julie Beck emphasized the seriousness of the charges and the commitment of her office to prosecuting cybercrime. "Our office will move aggressively to prosecute computer hacking to protect the private accounts of our citizens," Beck stated. "We stand ready with our law enforcement partners to bring those who illegally invade the privacy of others to justice." The statement reflects a broader effort by law enforcement to combat the growing threat of cybercrime and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

The alleged crimes, according to the indictment, spanned from 2015 to January 2023. During this period, Weiss is accused of gaining unauthorized access to student-athlete databases maintained by a third-party vendor. These databases contained personal information for athletes attending more than 100 colleges and universities across the country.

The indictment details the scope of the alleged intrusion, claiming that Weiss downloaded personal information and data of over 150,000 athletes. From this vast trove of data, he allegedly accessed the information of more than 2,000 athletes, gaining access to their social media accounts, email inboxes, and cloud storage services. This unauthorized access provided him with a disturbingly intimate window into the lives of these athletes.

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the allegations is the claim that Weiss used this illegally obtained information to download "personal, intimate digital photographs and videos that were never intended to be shared beyond intimate partners." This suggests a calculated and deliberate effort to exploit the privacy of these athletes and potentially distribute or misuse their personal content. The nature of these allegations raises significant ethical and legal concerns, highlighting the potential for devastating emotional and psychological harm to the victims.

The investigation and indictment involved close collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies. FBI Special Agent Cheyvoryea Gibson emphasized the dedication and meticulousness of the investigative work. "Today’s indictment of Matthew Weiss underscores the commitment and meticulous investigative efforts of our law enforcement professionals," Gibson said in a statement. "The FBI Detroit Cyber Task Force, in close collaboration with the University of Michigan Police Department, worked relentlessly on this case to safeguard and protect our community."

The charges against Weiss are severe. He faces 14 counts of unauthorized access to computers and 10 counts of aggravated identity theft. Each count of unauthorized access carries a maximum sentence of five years imprisonment, while each count of identity theft carries a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment. If convicted on all counts, Weiss could face a significant prison term.

The case has sent shockwaves through the college sports world, raising concerns about data security and the protection of student-athletes’ privacy. The University of Michigan has cooperated with law enforcement throughout the investigation and has likely reviewed its own security protocols to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The case also serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of cybercrime and the importance of safeguarding personal information. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our lives, the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches continues to grow. This case underscores the need for individuals and organizations to take proactive steps to protect their data and privacy.

The legal proceedings against Weiss are likely to be complex and lengthy. The prosecution will need to present compelling evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Weiss committed the alleged crimes. The defense, on the other hand, will likely challenge the evidence and argue that Weiss is not guilty.

Regardless of the outcome, the case has already had a significant impact, raising awareness about the dangers of cybercrime and the importance of protecting the privacy of individuals, particularly vulnerable populations like student-athletes. It serves as a reminder that cybercrime can have devastating consequences and that those who engage in such activities will be held accountable. The case is a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies in pursuing justice and protecting the community from cyber threats.